Bilfinger UK has become one of the first organisations in the country to commit to accreditation for both Menstruation Friendly and Menopause Friendly workplaces – reinforcing its ambition to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Through its partnership with Henpicked, Bilfinger is taking clear, practical steps to ensure colleagues experiencing menstrual or menopausal symptoms benefit from expert guidance, accredited training and helpful resources. This commitment is about making everyday working life better for everyone.
Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked, said: “Bilfinger UK is showing leadership that makes a real difference. Menstruation and menopause are part of working life and with the right support people can feel understood, empowered and able to thrive. Bilfinger’s commitment sets a powerful example of the leadership needed to improve lives, workplaces and long-term wellbeing. They are helping to lead the way for others, and we’re delighted to be supporting them.”
Sue Rice, Director of HR, UK Region & Group Talent, at Bilfinger, said: “Menstruation and Menopause can impact physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. By committing to these accreditations, we’re joining over 500 UK employers who are Menopause Friendly – and going further by being among the first to also commit to Menstruation Friendly accreditation.”
Why menstruation and menstrual health matter at work
Menstruation is a normal part of life for millions of people in the workforce, yet stigma and silence can mean many don’t get the support they need:
- 15 million people in the UK menstruate, and 72% of them are in work.
- 13.8% report taking absence during their period.
- Symptoms account for an estimated 8.4 lost working days per person per year.
- A quarter say menstruation has impacted their career progression.
- Around 8% of women say they’ve either left or are considering leaving a job because their menstrual-health symptoms weren’t supported.
These figures highlight why support is so important and how simple changes can make a big difference to wellbeing and confidence at work.
Why menopause matters
Menopause affects people often at the peak of their careers and the need for supportive workplaces is clear:
- 3 in 4 experience menopause symptoms, with 1 in 4 reporting serious symptoms.
- 45% say symptoms negatively impact their work.
- 47% who need time off don’t feel able to tell their employer the real reason.
- 1 in 4 consider leaving work due to symptoms, and 1 in 10 actually do, leading to talent loss and widening the gender pay gap.
- 1 in 10 leave their jobs due to unmanaged symptoms.
When workplaces understand the impact and provide the right support, colleagues can feel more at ease and better able to get on with their day.
Bilfinger’s decision to pursue both accreditations strengthens its wider work on wellbeing and inclusion. It reflects a practical, everyday approach to making sure colleagues have what they need and that conversations about menstruation and menopause are part of normal working life.